Travel, Story & Photos… Yeah hai meri duniya

Croc Night Walk

Two pairs of eyes that shine!! … Rugged & tough skin… Fangs that slither out to check the air… All this and that is active at night too..

Well, all this and more at Chennai.. Yes, Chennai!!!.. The Crocodile park on East Coast Road (ECR) has got a special attraction for both kids & adults to explore the reptilian world at Night. We in excitement had arrived by

6.30 pm for a 7 pm walk. Oh!! one got to book this in advance. It is simple and available on their website too. It is open for night safari all nights except for on Monday.

Well, the cute fellow at the gate politely said us to wait and we were happy in anticipation sitting at the vacant shops. There was a nice nip in the Chennai air and it was really wonderful.

As we waited two more families joined us and it was great feeling to see that there were more adults than kids. We were welcomed by 7 pm by a young enthusiastic caretaker Arul. Young chap took charge by giving each one of us a torch and the first thing the he did was for us to shine it on the crocs to see the shining lights. It is something to be experienced. He explains with care as to how to use the torch lights and not to create a nuisance for these beasts who are not troubling us at all.

He started the story by leading us from one to the other and the passion does tell his amazing love and connection with these gentle giants. He showed us how the crocs would respond when they are irritated with the lights flashing on them for long. we walked around to hear and understand these gentle slithering giants.

Oh!! it was interesting to hear the flock of birds trying to sleep at their homes and as we flashed the torch lights, you could hear a big flutter when Arul suggested to switch off the lights or else we may have an air raid of poo from the frightened birds. It seemed to have happened once earlier.

We happened to go underground to see the crocs and turtles swimming around in calmness. By the way, did you know that the female tortoise happens to be much larger and bigger than that of the male tortoise. 🙂

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It is really interesting to see these beautiful creatures in darkness and that too with an amazing guide like Arul. As we packed off for the evening, delighted to know that there are night camps and you could also participate in feeding these awesome creatures during their lunch time.

It is a great learning program and with people like Arul and private firms like “Crocodile Park” it is a delight to learn about these gentle giants.